I hope I inspire the next generation of students to leave their mark. OU supported me in developing my leadership and pushing in various capacities in professional and social settings. For instance, I was able to connect and learn from incredible faculty, staff, and fellow peers from across the country and world. My contributions for a more supportive, connected, and vibrant OU community are the building blocks of my legacy.
What comes to mind immediately is when I had the opportunity to serve as the Sponsorship Chair for the Tomás Rivera Educational Empowerment Conference (TREE). This was an opportunity where I was able to combine my classroom knowledge, leadership experience, and campus network to assist and collaborate on the largest high school student empowerment conference in the state. Through many collaborative efforts & partnerships, I helped raise a historic almost $50,000 in scholarships for students all across the state of Oklahoma.
My time at OU has been marked by community and involvement. I have been a proud member of the Xi Chapter of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., resident advisor in Headington Hall, OU Tour Guide, Connection and Student Engagement Intern, Peer Teaching Assistant, and Vice Chair of Student Leaders for Latinos Without Borders. Through these organizations and positions, I was able to invest back into the communities and the University that has given me so much.
To me , my degree embodies the sacrifices and love my family has poured into me. I am a proud Afro-Latino who has family who have and have not had the opportunity to attend higher education and receive a degree. I get to add to this legacy and I am creating better opportunities and attaining knowledge for future generations to come.
This summer, I am interning with the Inasmuch Foundation at the ReStore OKC. My next goal is to serve as a Public Health Associate at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
At the beginning of Julian's senior year, we asked him why he joined the OU Family. The short answer? Because of the countless communities he found while attending the University. Watch his video to learn more about his OU experience.
